Picture your pet with Santa

Sooke’s furry, four-legged residents are being given the chance to meet and have their photo taken with Santa in support of two animal rescue organizations.

It’s Over Rover, a local dog training business, is hosting Santa Pet Photos on Dec. 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m both days.

Jacklyn Orza, It’s Over Rover owner, said people can bring in their dogs and cats to have a photo snapped with Santa for $10 a piece. The shots can either be of one individual pet or as many animals as a frame permits.

All proceeds will be given to two animal rescue organizations, which have been short-listed to Turtle Gardens in Topley, B.C., and the Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders.

Although Turtle Gardens is not based in the region, Orza said they have several foster families in Victoria and Sooke.

“Even though they may not seem too local, a lot of their dogs come out towards this area. Victoria actually gets a lot of dogs from all over B.C. — apparently people in Victoria are very dedicated rescuers.”

The photos will be taken by Allana Brooks, of Kushti Photography. All photos will be sent electronically to patrons.

“She’s currently looking around for a really nice back drop, and we’re going to lay down a brown rug of some sort and have Santa sitting there with all of the dogs and cats around him,” Orza laughed.

“It should be lots of fun.”

Otter Point Vet will also be collecting food donations for the Sooke Food Bank, and pet food, which will be supplied to the Sooke Animal Food Bank and Rescue Society.

Santa Pet Photos was conceived and hosted by local pet shop and grooming salon, Wiskers and Waggs, last year.

The event will take place at It’s Over Rover training facilities on 3312 Otter Point Rd. Participants will receive free treats, and there will be several draw prizes from local businesses.